How to Throw an Ornament-Crafting Party
Because your friends have been to enough gift swaps this month.
The holiday season is upon us, which means entertaining season is most definitely upon us. If a dinner party isn’t your thing, but you’d love to have a more casual shindig, consider hosting an ornament-crafting party. Keep things simple by mixing up a big bowl of punch and setting out a few appetizers. Select a DIY ornament all your friends will love, and buy enough supplies for each guest to make one. Spread out supplies on a large table, and make sure the appetizers are nearby. Turn on some holiday tunes in the background, and you’re all set.
I’ve rounded up a few of our cutest DIY ornaments and most delicious punch and appetizer recipes to make party planning a breeze. Scroll through, pick your favorites and send out some invites … or a group text.
SUPER-CUTE DIY ORNAMENTS
Mini Pinecone Elf Ornament

Photographer: Christina Wedge
This adorable elf requires six steps — perfect for crafty, hands-on friends.
Make It: Mini Pinecone Elf Ornaments
Paint-Dipped Wooden Ornaments

Tomas Espinoza
Ultra-chic yet easy to make, these paint-dipped ornaments would be great for pals who lack the patience for detailed crafts.
Make It: Paint-Dipped Wooden Ornaments
Wooden Bead Star Ornament

Photographer: Christina Wedge
Made with wooden beads, this beautiful ornament boasts a cool, bohemian vibe, and the DIY is just a few, simple steps.
Make It: Wooden Bead Star Ornament
Embroidery Hoop Sweater Ornaments

This craft is super-easy, super-cute -- and it may even inspire you to clean out your closet.
Make It: Embroidery Hoop Sweater Ornaments
Mini Ugly Sweater Ornament

Friends will go crazy over this ridiculously adorable idea. Because who doesn’t love an ugly Christmas sweater?
Make It: Mini Ugly Sweater Ornaments
Painted Glass Ornaments

If you want to keep the crafting as easy as possible, simply set out glass balls and acrylic paint. Let your friends’ creativity shine.
DELECTABLE HOLIDAY APPETIZER RECIPES
Cranberry Brie Bites

Tomas Espinoza
The perfect combination of sweet and savory, these cranberry brie bites only require four true ingredients.
Make It: Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
Mini Quiche Florentine

Spinach and cheese will make these mini quiches a hit with even your pickiest friends.
Make It: Mini Quiche Florentine Recipe
Taleggio Crostini With Apple + Thyme Honey

Courtesy Andrea Albin, 2012 CookingChannelTV.com
Apples give these light bites a seasonal crunch.
Brie + Sun-Dried Tomato-Stuffed Mushrooms

Flynnside Out Productions
You can’t go wrong with a stuffed mushroom — especially when it’s packed with gooey cheese.
Chocolate-Dipped Kettle Chips

Guests will gush about this dynamite sweet-and-salty pairing.
Make It: Chocolate-Dipped Kettle Chips Recipe
Maple Chili Popcorn

Courtesy Kelsey Nixon, 2012 CookingChannelTV.com
Make a couple of batches of this seasonal popcorn to display in an oversized bowl. Friends can munch while they craft.
Make It: Maple Chili Popcorn Recipe
BOOZY HOLIDAY PUNCH RECIPES
Mulled Pear Punch

Brandy, prosecco, pears and blood oranges form a mulled winter punch that’s sure to impress.
Make It: Mulled Pear Punch Recipe
Sparkling Grapefruit Punch

Image by Maggie Yelton
Grapefruit artfully pairs with rum and rosemary in this tasty holiday punch.
Make It: Sparkling Grapefruit Punch Recipe
Apple Cider Punch
Apple Cider Punch 00:30
Apple cider with a boozy kick? Yes, please.
Pitchfork Punch

Image courtesy of Pig and the Pearl
Blackberries, bourbon, black tea and mint create this deep, fruity punch that pairs well with appetizers.
Make It: Pitchfork Punch Recipe
Rose Lemon Champagne Punch

Add some bubbly to your night with this refreshing champagne punch.
Make It: Rose Lemon Champagne Punch
White Christmas Sangria
White Christmas Sangria 01:00
Opt for a seasonal spin on sangria with this white Christmas drink.